Notebook 11/5: Allen's Status Extremely Uncertain
11/5/2008, updated 3:28 p.m.
Phil Mackey, KFAN.com

Audio: Jared Allen talks about his shoulder injury
Audio: Childress talks about Allen's shoulder injury
Audio: Gus Frerotte on playing the Packers
Audio: Bobby Wade on Green Bay's aggressive cornerbacks

Brad Childress declined to talk about the severity of Jared Allen’s shoulder injury on Wednesday, but Allen himself was more than willing to spill some of the beans.

“AC sprain, separation, or whatever the hell that is,” Allen said. “I don’t know, [grade] three or something? I don’t know what that means.

“They tried to amputate it earlier. That was tough. I did some electric shock therapy. I don’t know what that had to do with my shoulder though. They recommended heroin, but I said that was against all league policies, so I stayed well away from that. I don’t even know what I’m doing. Rehab stuff. You’d have to talk to [the trainers] about that.”

Well, a grade three sprain is the worst possible case. Allen seemed aloof and carefree when he made these comments, but if he’s telling the truth, the chances of him playing on Sunday appear extremely slim.

And if this really is a third degree sprain, there's a chance Allen could miss more than just one game. So, with all that said, does Allen think he’s going to be able to suit up on Sunday?

“It’s totally up to the coaches and the trainers.”

You can listen to the audio of Allen’s conversation with reporters at the top of this article. There was a hint of sarcasm throughout the entire Jared Allen media session, but it seems unlikely that the All-Pro defensive end would carelessly throw out the term “grade three” sprain. We’ll probably find out much more as the week progresses.

Allen did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Instead, Brian Robison filled in at right defensive end. If Allen can’t go, Robison will almost certainly start, and he certainly doesn’t lack confidence.

“I feel like if either [Allen or Ray Edwards] go down, I would be the guy,” Robison said Monday. “If either one of those guys wasn’t here, I’d be the guy and I’d be just fine.”

Robison went on to say he feels like he can be a starter in this league and do a good job. That probably doesn’t take away the sting of losing Jared Allen for the most important game of the season so far, but it’s nice to know Robison is confident.

Update (3:28 p.m.): After practice, Brad Childress was asked what he thought about Jared Allen telling reporters that he had indeed suffered a third degree AC sprain.

"They're not cutting it off," Childress said.

"Here's my answer: It's all in the hands of the doctor. When he puts his hands on you he says, 'It seems like about a one, maybe a two. A two, maybe a three. If it's a three, and that's the number [doctors are] assigning to it, it's a three. That doesn't change anything in the scheme of things."

Well, actually, it does change things. A third degree sprain is much more serious than a first degree sprain, which means Allen could miss significant time.

"Everybody heals different, so we'll just have to see where he is as we go forward."

Notes

Jared Allen was also asked about Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak’s comments that suggested Allen took a cheap shot at QB Matt Shaub’s knee. Allen delivered a blow that sent Shaub hobbling to the sidelines, and now the quarterback is expected to miss significant action.

“I just heard about [the comments] today,” Allen said. “If I hadn’t read the paper I wouldn’t know who the hell [Kubiak] is. People can say what they want. I’m not a dirty player. I’ve been in this league a long time. My reputation speaks for itself. I don’t ever intend to hurt people. I talked to Matt Shaub after the game, and I said, 'Hey man how’s your knee?' It’s just two people. We’re competitors. He’s got the ball in his hand, I’m trying to take down the quarterback… I never do [anything] intentionally to hurt people, but if coach wants to spout off that I’m a dirty player because they lost the game, then whatever.”

Whoa. Is it hot in here?

You can contact Phil by emailing PMac@kfan.com, or you can visit his website, PhilMackey.com.